Which weight is right for you? You don’t have to guess.
Most weighted stuffed animals force you to make one choice: you buy one weight, and you’re stuck with it. But the weight that feels comfortable today isn’t necessarily the weight that feels right next month—or what works for someone else in the house. That’s why we solved it differently.
The short version
An Ella Sleeps weighs 2 kg. Inside its belly are three removable pouches filled with tourmaline beads, each weighing 250 grams. Remove one and it weighs 1.75 kg. Remove two and it weighs 1.5 kg. Remove all three and it weighs 1.25 kg.
So you don’t need to know in advance what feels right. You try it.
Why weight is personal
There’s a rule of thumb circulating online: about 10% of your body weight. That rule comes from the world of weighted blankets, where the weight is spread over your entire body. With a stuffed animal, it works differently—you hold it, place it on your lap, or hold it against your chest. The weight rests on a much smaller area.
What people report in practice: the ideal feeling differs not only from person to person, but from moment to moment. After a busy day, you often want more. On a day when everything is already too much, you want less. A fixed weight can’t adapt to that.
A guideline to get started
| Situation | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You’re looking for a clear, enveloping feeling | 2 kg (all pouches) | The full weight, as the stuffed animal is intended to be used |
| You’re not sure | 1.75 kg (one pouch removed) | Noticeably present, not overwhelming |
| For a child who still needs to get used to it | 1.5 kg (two removed) | Room to gradually build up |
| First introduction, or it quickly feels like too much | 1.25 kg (all three removed) | The unweighted stuffed animal |
You can always go back. That’s the whole point.
How to adjust the weight
- Open the compartment in the stuffed animal’s belly
- Take out one or more pouches
- Close the compartment
Store the pouches somewhere you can find them again—out of reach of young children. You should remove them before washing anyway.
Why not simply make it heavier?
Heavier isn't better. A stuffed animal that feels too heavy won't be used, and one that isn't used doesn't do anything. What people like is for the stuffed animal to be noticeably present without actively bothering them—and where that threshold lies varies greatly.
Weighted stuffed animal or weighted blanket?
A blanket lies over you and is mainly used in bed. You hold a stuffed animal, take it with you to the sofa, and also use it during the day. If you find a blanket stifling, a stuffed animal usually feels more comfortable. Are you mainly looking for something for the night and for your whole body? Then a blanket makes more sense.
View the weighted blanketsChoose your animal
Every animal in the Ella Sleeps family has exactly the same weight system. So the choice is purely about which animal appeals to you.
- Scottish Highlander weighted stuffed animal
- Dog weighted stuffed animal
- Elephant weighted stuffed animal
- Unicorn weighted stuffed animal
- Dino weighted stuffed animal
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Ella Sleeps weighted stuffed animal weigh?
2 kg in total, adjustable to 1.75, 1.5, or 1.25 kg by removing pouches.
Can a weighted stuffed animal be too heavy?
Yes. If the stuffed animal feels uncomfortable or constricting, it's too heavy. Remove one pouch from its belly.
What are the weight pouches filled with?
Tourmaline beads. They provide the weight and keep it evenly distributed.
Can I change the weight later?
Yes, as often as you like. The pouches can be removed and put back in within seconds.
Does the 10% rule also apply to stuffed animals?
The rule of thumb comes from the world of weighted blankets and works well there. With a stuffed animal, the weight rests on a smaller area, so the rule doesn't translate directly. Trying it out works better than doing the math.